CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Flippin' Birds hosted No. 23 BYU in the America First Event Center on Friday evening. The T-Birds posted a season-high 196.000 in a meet that came down to the last routine. The Cougars took home the win with their own season-high of 196.975.
Junior Niya Randolph continued to be a force, winning the all-around title with a 39.300. Senior Kayla Pardue took home the crown on the vault with an incredible 9.925. On the Bars, junior Maria Ferguson placed second with a 9.850, while Randolph and junior Alex Routsis tied for third with a 9.825. Randolph and sophomore Emma Nipper tied for second, each scoring 9.875.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
Meet Recap
Vault (48.775)
Southern Utah opened the meet on vault and set the tone early with a confident first rotation. Junior Elliot Bringhurst got things started with a controlled opening vault that earned a score of 9.700. Mackenzie Kelly followed with a 9.625. Freshman Vinciane Le Pen continued the rotation, scoring 9.575. Kayla Pardue showcased her experience and precision on the runway, earning a season-high score of 9.925. Niya Randolph brought power and amplitude to her vault, recording a 9.825, before anchor Berlin Hall capped off the rotation with an eye-catching effort that scored 9.700 to close a solid opening event for the Flippin' Birds.
Bars (49.100)
The Thunderbirds transitioned to the uneven bars in the second rotation and showed impressive depth across the lineup. Alex Routsis led off with a smooth routine to start the rotation on a positive note, grabbing a 9.825. Mia Hampton followed with confident handstands and clean transitions, scoring 9.800. Ariel Collum delivered a poised set that kept the lineup rolling and posted a score of 9.800. Maria Ferguson added consistency in the middle of the order with a 9.850. Niya Randolph contributed another reliable routine, earning a 9.825. Kendall McGuire anchored the event and finished the rotation strong with a solid 9.725 as Southern Utah remained firmly in contention at the halfway point of the meet with a team score of 97.875.
Beam (48.975)
With the pressure rising in the third rotation, Southern Utah turned to the balance beam and responded with calm, focused performances. Mia Hampton opened the lineup with confidence and set the tone with a 9.675. Maria Ferguson followed, battling a fall to score 9.025. Elliot Bringhurst competed confidently in the middle of the order and recorded an outstanding 9.850. Rylee Miller showcased strong execution and presence, earning a score of 9.700. Niya Randolph showed off a fantastic routine that tied her career high of 9.875. Emma Nipper anchored the rotation with a new career-best 9.875 to keep the Flippin' Birds on track with a 146.850 heading into the final event.
Floor (49.150)
Southern Utah closed the meet on floor exercise and carried the energy from the opening routine into the final pass. Berlin Hall kicked off the rotation with an aggressive and engaging performance that bolstered the team's score with a 9.825. Rylee Miller followed and matched the intensity with clean tumbling, posting a 9.825 of her own. Sage Paladino energized the crowd with a lively routine that scored 9.825. Carilia Martinez impressed with expressive choreography and strong execution, scoring a 9.825. Mia Hampton continued her standout day with a confident set late in the lineup that posted a 9.850. Niya Randolph anchored the meet on the floor and closed the night with a powerful routine that earned a score of 9.775 for the Flippin' Birds.
Next Up
The Flippin' Birds are back on the road this Monday, February 9, at Utah State. The Thunderbirds will face a tough field at the USU quad-meet, including the Aggies, along with conference opponents Sacramento State and Alaska Anchorage. The meet will begin at 6:30 p.m. MT and can be streamed on the Mountain West Network.
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